He is survived by his wife, Becky, his devoted partner in life. He was the proud father of two sons, Carl and Kyle, and the “master” of two dogs, Tito and Cucumber. In addition, he is survived by his mother Violet of Superior, WI, brothers Kevin (Susan) of Foxboro, WI, and Terrence Mikel of Superior, WI, sisters, Sandra (Michael) Bailey of Superior, WI, and Nancy (Michael) Przybylowski of Sanford, FL, his mother and father-in-law, Mary and Ruben Gomez of Alliance, NE, brothers-in-law Ruben Gomez Jr. of Edinburg, TX, Sam (Nikki) Gomez of Sterling, CO, and Isaiah (Hilary) Gomez of Alliance, NE, and sister-in-law Cindy (Frank) Jacobo of Alliance, NE., as well as many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, and lifelong friends. Jim was preceded in death by his father, Michael C. Mikel in 1990.

Jim was born November 19, 1955 in Moorhead, MN, and grew up in Superior, WI. He attended Cathedral Grade School and Junior High and graduated from Superior Senior High School in 1974. He attended the University of Wisconsin - Superior, graduating with degrees in Business Administration and Marketing. Jim worked for the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad for over 30 years before taking an extended leave of absence from his position as the Assistant Superintendent of the Powder River Division in Alliance, NE in 2011.

Jim enjoyed sports and was revitalizing his golf game in his free time. He enjoyed fishing trips to Lake Michigan and backyard barbecues. His greatest joy came from spending time with his family. Jim will be remembered for many things, including his loyalty, hard work, and quick wit. We love you, Jim, and cherish every second we were able to spend with you.

Many thanks to Jim’s doctors (Dr. Allen Cohn and Dr. Armando Magana,) and the many other health care professionals who provided exceptional care and compassion throughout his illness.

A memorial service will be conducted by Pastor Simmons at 2 P.M. on Saturday, June 22nd in the Guernsey High School gymnasium, Guernsey, WY. A service in Jim’s hometown of Superior, WI will take place at a later date. To share a memory of Jim, please visit: http://www.viegutfuneralhome.com/ and click on “Loving Dedications”. Donations may be made to the American Cancer Society.